Slow Staycation in Weymouth UK

Weymouth has always been one of my favourite seaside towns in the UK for a staycation. My sister and I used to holiday here as children, staying in cosy B&Bs or nearby caravan parks. Even as an adult, I love coming back for staycations, especially off-peak when the town is quieter and slower-paced.

For our most recent visit, I wanted to introduce Aaron – who had never been before – to one of my favourite places. Our goal was simple: to be relaxed as possible and enjoy our staycation.

Accommodation: Bayliss House B&B

We stayed at Bayliss House B&B, which has stunning seaside views of Weymouth. Our room (number 6) had a bay window with a cosy seating area, that was perfect for people-watching or catching the sunset. It also had a mini fridge, microwave, tea and coffee facilities, and plenty of storage for our luggage. The bed was very comfortable, and our hosts were incredibly welcoming.

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Bayliss House is conveniently located within walking distance of many Weymouth attractions, including the amusement arcade, harbour, Nothe Fort, and of course, the beach. Our hosts even provided a free parking pass for the duration of our stay and offered postcards for guests to send home. We picked a picture of Weymouth Harbour and sent one to my family, although it arrived after we got home! 🤦‍♀️

Weymouth Staycation: Day 1 – Harbourside and Old Town

Our first day was spent wandering around the harbourside and Old Town, taking in the charming shops, cafes, and historic streets. We also stopped for ice creams on the beach where I mentioned to Aaron that I had never flown a kite before, so we picked one up locally and decided we’d enjoy some kite-flying on the beach the following morning – a perfect reminder to leave space for unplanned fun.

Day 2: Sand World, Portland Bill, and Local Eats

On our second day, we visited Sand World Weymouth, where we marvelled at the incredible sand sculptures. My favourites were the ones of Alien Vs Predator, Star Wars, and children’s characters. They also had a sandpit – great for kids – a small café, and a gift shop (no magnets though, sadly). There is also a crazy golf course and Sea Life Centre Weymouth nearby, too.

Later, we explored Nothe Fort, a Victorian coastal fort perched on the headland with sweeping views across Weymouth Harbour and out towards Portland. We opted for a self-guided wander, which was perfect for going at our own pace (and avoiding the busier areas!). The rooftop views alone are worth the visit – especially on a windy day when you can watch the waves roll in. It was a lovely mix of history and picturesque scenery. That evening, we treated our self to fish and chips in the old harbour, and watched the sunset.

Day 3 – Portland Bill and Castle

The next day we took a short drive to Portland. We started at Portland Castle, an English Heritage site that’s surprisingly small but packed with maritime history. Parking was a bit of a challenge even in the off-peak season (narrow roads and limited spaces!), but once inside, the castle offered beautiful coastal views and plenty of interesting exhibits.

 

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Afterwards, we continued on to Portland Bill, one of my favourite parts of Dorset. The weather was classic British Springtime – wet and windy – but that just added to the experience. We wandered along the cliff paths around the lighthouse, watched the waves crash against the rocks, and tried to find some fossils – no luck, unfortunately.

When the rain came in, we headed into the café for a warm lunch before heading back out again. The café was reasonably priced and also had an adjacent shop. Yes, there were magnets! We enjoyed our short trip to Portland, the fresh air, and spending time outdoors. Once we arrived back in Weymouth we took a short stroll on the beach, and visited the infamous ‘sand man‘ – that has been part of Weymouth beach front for over a century.

Day 4 – Monkey World and Bovington Tank Museum

For our final day, we took a scenic drive to Monkey World, a wonderful primate sanctuary where I always enjoy seeing their rescued primates in action – especially, the orangutans. Also nearby is the Bovington Tank Museum, which is fascinating for history enthusiasts and makes a great addition to a Weymouth itinerary. We were in no rush to leave and spent half a day at each place, with lunch, of course.

Tips for a Slow Staycation in Weymouth

• Stay off the beaten track: Explore smaller streets, cafes, and less crowded beaches.
• Choose a room with a view: A bay window or sea-facing room makes mornings and evenings extra special.
• Take your time: Leave room for spontaneous activities like kite flying or beach walks.
• Spend time by the water: Weymouth’s beaches and harbours are central to the experience, so don’t rush past them.
• Step out of your comfort zone: Try new local attractions, restaurants, or even arcade games.
• Try slow paced evenings: all our evenings in Weymouth were relaxed, either spent at the cinema, dining out, or playing arcade games. In fact, we proudly made the high score on the Jurassic Park machine!
• Visit off-peak for quieter beaches – but remember to pack layers! That sea breeze can get quite chilly.
• Parking tip: Ask your accommodation about permits before paying car park fees.

Weymouth really is a perfect destination for a slow, relaxing staycation, whether you’re revisiting childhood memories or discovering the town for the first time. For me, the perfect staycation is about taking the time to just explore at your own pace, enjoy simple pleasures, and leave room for a little spontaneous kite-flying. 😉

How do you enjoy a staycation? Have you ever been to Weymouth or Portland?